Best bait for kayak fishing

Kayak fishing is an otherworldly experience. For kayaking enthusiasts, there is nothing better than the euphoria of gliding over calm waters - basking in the splendor of the great outdoors while you troll after a prize catch. The thing about kayaks is that they can access remote - and potentially underfished - fishing spots that are inaccessible by other traditional means (ie motor boats). Not to mention that they are affordable and fun for leisure activities.

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned angler, the appeal of a kayak is undeniable - this is more or less set in stone. The only "hiccup" is the initial learning curve of kayaking. You need a combination of the best skills and equipment - which brings us to the goal of this article. to give you some must-have tips on how to find the best bait for kayak fishing.

Why lures?

One of the most important considerations when fishing is baiting. You can use live bait (wriggling worms, night creepers, insects, small fish, etc.) or bait (artificial). While both techniques have their pros and cons, there are a few reasons you might choose bait over live bait:

• Less messy and easier to acquire than live bait.
• Easily Replaceable - If one doesn't work, just throw another in.
• You can target one species more closely - specifically designed to mimic natural price.
• Better for catch and release fishing than live bait (controversial but still worth a mention)
• Keep casting as live bait
• Legal issues. In some countries, fishing with live bait is not permitted.

But as you've probably already figured out, finding the right bait for your kayak fishing expedition is a mind-blowing experience. Read on to learn more about the best baits for kayak fishing.

The important things first; Know your goal!

Contrary to what you may have heard, the rumored “holy grail” of bait doesn't exist - i. H. A bait that catches all types of fish is nothing more than a marketing ploy. The best bait is determined by the target species' natural prey and water conditions (current, visibility, etc.). With this in mind, you should also study the depth (i.e., headwater, intermediate water, or bottom of the water column) at which the fish tends to hunt for the best results.

What works for one fish doesn't necessarily have to work for another species! Because of this, the first step in finding the best bait for kayak fishing is knowing your target. Looking for a bass? Or maybe a yellowtail? Whatever you plan to wrap yourself up in, make sure you understand the typical depth of prey and hunting, then choose a bait that mimics it.

A great way to find out which type to choose is to go to your local fishing store. Talk to them and ask for advice - and if you do, make sure you support them by buying your bait from them.

This brings us to the next hurdle; Differentiation of the almost endless types of bait ...

5 of the best baits for kayak fishing

As mentioned earlier, when choosing the weight, shape, and size of a bait, you need to consider the feeding / hunting habits of the target species. Likewise, you need to consider water conditions. For example, a heavy bait is ideal in wind and strong currents.

Here are some common types of baits (mostly freshwater) - plus a bait guide to add to your kayak fishing adventure even further.

1. Crank bait
The good old crank bait; A lure with an array of versatility like no other. Crank baits come in a variety of colors, shapes, and designs. They usually come with a “lip,” which is a beak-shaped protrusion on the front. This "lip" determines the depth of the bait - and consequently the type of target fish. Crankbaits are great for bass fishing.

2. Jigs
As the name suggests, jigs attract fish with their jigging motion. These popular baits come in many different designs, which requires tweaking your fishing technique.

Whether you opt for a tipping device, soccer device, or swimming device, the irregular movement of the bait will attract large freshwater fish such as species of perch or bass.

3. Spinnerbait
A spinnerbait is characterized by oval metal blades that rotate when pulled through the water. It mimics prey like Shiner and Minnow. The propeller-like movement in combination with the reflective surface of the bait makes it irresistible for fast-swimming predatory fish species such as pike.

PS: They're sinking fast so you may want to get the cast a little quicker.

4. Spoons
Spoons are the ideal example of a tool that will stand the test of time. They are easy. inexpensive and a must have in any angler's lure collection.

Spoons are basically an elongated piece of solid wedge metal with a hook. Their wobbling motion and rapid rate of descent mimic injured prey - ideal for species that tend to hunt herring-like fish.

5. Buzz Bait
If you kayak frequently in shallow waters, cloudy places, or at night, buzz bait does wonders. Simply put, it's a typical bait, but one that vibrates in the water. By whirling up the water, buzzing baits lure specific species from their hiding places. They are also effective in poor visibility.

Now reel 'em in!

The general rule of thumb when kayaking with bait is to bring a collection of different species with you. This prepares you for unforeseen conditions and improves the outcome of your fishing trip.

But remember:

"It is important to have good tools, but it is also important that the tools are used correctly."

- Wallace D. Wattles